GRE

As part of the admission process, the majority of graduate programs in the U.S. require at least one or more standardized test scores. Universities and colleges in the U.S. have their own admission requirements and each of them accepts different standardized test scores from third-party organizations. Make sure to find out which test scores are required on the website of each institution.

The GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) is a standardized test of Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing that measures readiness to pursue graduate-level programs. The GRE is available in two categories, the GRE General Test and the GRE Subject Tests.

Components

Verbal Reasoning — Measures the ability to analyze and draw conclusions from discourse and reason from incomplete data, understand multiple levels of meaning, such as literal, figurative and author’s intent, and summarize text and distinguish major from minor points, understand the meanings of words, sentences and entire texts, and understand relationships among words and among concepts. There is an emphasis on complex verbal reasoning skills.

Quantitative Reasoning — Measures the ability to understand, interpret and analyze quantitative information, solve problems using mathematical models, and apply the basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis. There is an emphasis on quantitative reasoning skills.

Analytical Writing — Measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills, including the ability to articulate and support complex ideas with relevant reasons and examples, and examine claims and accompanying evidence. There is an emphasis on analytical writing skills.

Total testing time

3 hours and 45 minutes, including optional breaks.

Exam type

Multiple choice and open questions.

Important features

GRE Tests all offer the ScoreSelect® option, which means you can take the test multiple times but only send the GRE test scores from whichever test date(s) you want schools to see. The test scores are considered valid for 5 years.

Official preparation books can also be borrowed at our EducationUSA Advising Center in Brussels for a refundable deposit of 20 euros per book.

Taking the test

The GRE is owned and administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The GRE General Test is available at more than 1,000 test centers in more than 160 countries. In Belgium and Luxembourg, the computer-delivered GRE General Test is offered year-round at Prometric test centers. In order to find a test date and to register, you will need to create an ETS account online and follow the instructions on the official website of ETS.

We recommend that students register and begin preparing for the GRE at least three months in advance of taking it. You can take the computer-delivered GRE General Test once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period (365 days). After completing the computer-based GRE revised General Test, your official scores will be mailed approximately 10–15 days after your test date. These scores must be received by the U.S. institutions you are applying to by the specified application deadline. You will be asked to designate your score recipients at the test center, so you should already know which schools you are applying to when you go to take the test. However, you can also send score reports to institutions after test day for a fee.

Required or not

Depending on your area of study, most graduate programs will require that you take the GRE General Test for admission consideration.

GRE Subject Tests

The GRE Subject Test measures specific knowledge of a particular field of study. It is used to highlight skills in a specific area and help you stand out from other applicants by showing how knowledgeable you are in a specific discipline.

Components

Subject Tests are available in the categories below and each consists of a different testing structure:

Biology

Chemistry

Literate in English

Mathematics

Physics

Psychology

Total testing time

2 hours and 50 minutes, no breaks allowed.

Exam type

Multiple choice and open questions.

Score reporting

Every Subject Test yields a total score on a 200 to 990 score scale, in 10-point increments.

The GRE Subject Tests are offered at paper-delivered test centers around the world up to three times a year. In order to find a test date and to register, you will need to create an ETS account online and follow the instructions on the official website of ETS.

Required or not

Depending on your area of study, some graduate programs will require or recommend that you take a GRE Subject Test for admission consideration.